The U.S. government needs to start saving its pennies: Studies show that nickels and pennies cost more money to create than they are worth. So last week, President Barack Obama asked Congress to find ways to make these coins cheaper to produce.

In 2011, it cost the U.S. Mint–the government department that issues coins—about 2.4 cents to make each penny and 11.2 cents to make each nickel. The government loses $200 million on nickels and pennies each year.

Why are these coins so expensive to make? Pennies used to be made mostly of copper. Today, pennies are made of zinc, which is much less expensive, and only covered with copper. But the price of these metals changes every day, and shortages in supplies lead to a rise in prices.

The metallic composition, or makeup, of pennies and nickels has not changed for more than 30 years. The Mint has been researching new mixes of metals since 2010. They have not yet found a mix that would be significantly cheaper.

One solution being discussed would replace zinc with an even less expensive metal like steel. The Mint did this in 1943, when the government needed copper for the military during World War II. During that year, the mint used steel to make pennies instead.

Even if pennies and nickels are made with cheaper materials, the government still has to pay workers to make them. The production of nickels and pennies costs so much that the government could still lose money making the coins.

Some people think the best way to pinch pennies is to get rid of them altogether. Pennies are not just expensive to make—many people don’t like to carry around lots of change worth so little. But the penny has been around since 1793 and many people say it’s an important part of U.S. history and culture.

One thing is for sure, one way or another, nickels and pennies are likely in for a change.